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The Sheila Godfrey Skin Therapy Centre

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) For Facial Veins and Rosacea

How does the system work?The Lumina system consists of intense light that is emitted in a series of short pulses. The wavelength of the light is specially selected so that when it is directed into the skin, it is predominantly absorbed by blood vessels within the epidermis and dermis. In areas of vascular lesions, the blood vessels are overgrown or in high concentration. These blood vessels will absorb the light, which causes them to heat up and undergo a process called thermo-coagulation. This destroys the entire vessel while causing minimal damage to the surrounding skin. Following treatment, the damaged vessels are absorbed by the body and little or no trace of the initial lesion remains.

How is the treatment carried out?It is necessary to apply a thin layer of gel to the skin prior to treatment. This helps to cool the skin, as well as ensuring optimal transmission of light from the applicator to the skin.A test patch should always be taken; the rectangular quartz applicator is placed in contact with the skin surface over the offending blood vessels. The light is pulsed through the quartz and onto the skin. If the results of the test patch are satisfactory, the applicator is then moved to the neighbouring area and the process is repeated. During treatment you must wear protective eye goggles.

Which clients can be treated?The upper skin layer, the epidermis, contains melanin, a very good absorber of light, which is why it is the skin’s natural defence against harmful sunrays. The concentration of melanin in the skin is greater in darker skinned people and increases when the skin is exposed to UV light. The light emitted by the system will be absorbed to a certain extent by the melanin as well as the vascular regions and will heat the skin. The more melanin in the skin, the more heat will be produced so it is therefore not possible to treat dark-skinned and tanned individuals. The lesions that will respond best are thought to be those consisting of blood vessels of a small diameter that lie close to the surface of the skin, such as those seen in rosacea or thread veins. If there are any areas of broken skin, the treatment should be delayed until the area has completely healed.

Does it hurt?As the light energy is absorbed by the skin, it heats it up, and creates a sharp pinprick, burning sensation. Most patients describe the discomfort as moderate and acceptable. No anaesthesia is required.

What should I expect after the treatment?Redness and a slight burning sensation (similar to that of mild sunburn) are normal after treatment. A cooling pack will be applied to the skin to ease these symptoms. You may see a temporary ‘grayness’ in the vessels, which will pass, and you might notice that some vessels have disappeared immediately.

What are the side effects?The visible light is completely safe so no special precautions are needed apart from glasses for the brightness. The skin of some clients becomes quite red immediately after treatment and in rare cases some bruising may be seen. However, only a minority of clients experience side effects and the described skin reactions usually disappear within hours to a few days. Very rarely hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation or blistering may occur.

How do I prepare for treatment?Clients should avoid tanning for 4 weeks ahead of and during the entire treatment period to avoid excessive discomfort from light absorption in the epidermis. Immediately after the treatment, the skin is particularly sensitive to UV light, and strong sunlight should be avoided for 4 weeks. Clients are advised to use Factor 30 sun protector throughout the duration of the treatment and for a minimum of four weeks after completion. The skin should be free of all traces of fake tan prior to treatment.

How long does treatment take?The length of each treatment will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but a typical session for rosacea will take in the region of 15 to 30 minutes.

How many treatments are necessary?The length and number of treatments will depend on the type and size of lesion present, but typically 1-5 treatments will be needed. Treatments should take place approximately every 4 to 6 weeks.

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The new website is now live. The Skin Therapy Centre was set up in 2005 to provide clients with a peaceful, relaxing and comfortable alternative to a medical centre while offering a confidential, professional service away from the hustle and bustle of a busy commercial beauty salon.

What our clients say

I am delighted with the appearance of my skin. Other people have commented on the reduction of pigmentation on my face. I no longer have to use heavy make-up to hide it. I am looking forward to my daughter’s wedding later this year knowing that I do not have to worry about how my skin will look. Thank you so much.